Acting lessons

She played a woman pretending to be a man in "Twelfth Night," a Manhattan socialite in "The Women," and, more recently, a member of the chorus in "Prometheus Bound."

Now Amanda Washko '10 lives in Portland, determined to open her own theatre and dance company.

Earlier this fall, Washko '10 visited Willamette to share acting techniques with a class of theatre students. Check out photos of Washko from that class, as well as from her own student days at Willamette. Return to article.

In "Prometheus Bound," Amanda Washko '10 played one of 12 female chorus members. The group was charged with relating the narrative of the play.

Travis Preston, director of "Prometheus Bound," says Washko was perfectly cast for her role in the chorus.

"I needed the strongest actors I could find, with singing and dancing ability as well," he says. "It's a fierce group of women, let me assure you."

Washko played Viola — a woman dressed as a man — in "Twelfth Knight" at Willamette in 2008.

Because of her dancing background, Washko was selected as movement coach for Willamette's production of "The Sardine Seller's Net of Love" in 2010.

Washko applies Kabuki makeup for her performance in "The Sardine Seller's Net of Love" at Willamette in 2010.

In addition to learning acting and directing techniques while a Willamette student, Washko '10 showcased her dancing skills on stage.

During a visit to a theatre class at Willamette this fall, Washko '10 shared acting tips with students.

"I am trying to give them tools to access different ways of acting," Washko says. "It is storytelling that is movement based and more authentic."

Now back in Portland, Washko' 10 aspires to open her own theatre and dance company.